Coconut Rice – Blog Hop 4

I have a perception that most of the Indian food bloggers (settled in India or abroad) are South Indian. My perception can be totally skewed but that’s what I have felt in last 10 months of my association with food blogosphere. So when I started this blog, I was sure that I wouldn’t put try & put recipe of a dosa or idli & pass it off as great. I know for a fact that there are many excellent recipes available for South-Indian cuisine in food world. When I had to choose from Radhika this Wednesday a recipe for Blog Hop I knew it was going to be a South-Indian recipe.

Since, I’m not very familiar with south-Indian cuisine & its nuances I asked Radhika to help me select a rice dish which is authentic South-Indian. She directed me to Coconut Rice. I have not made any major change to the recipe except skipping ground nuts.

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice –

Recipe Source – minimally adapted from Radhika of Tickling Palates

Ingredients –

• 2 Cups – Cooked Rice
• 1 Cup – Fresh Grated Coconut
• 1/2 tsp – Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 tsp – Urad Dal
• 2 tsp – Bengal Gram Dal
• 2 – Green Chillies, slit
• 2 – Whole Red Chillies
• 1/2 tsp – Chopped Ginger
• 8-10 – Roasted Cashewnuts
• 1 sprig – Curry Leaves
• a pinch – Asafoetida
• 2 Tbsp – Coconut Oil
• to taste – Salt

Method –

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, when they splutter add urad dal, bengal gram dal, red chillies, green chillies, ginger & curry leaves. Fry them on low flame. Do not over do them.
2. Now add asafoetida & coconut. Roast till the kitchen starts filling with aroma of fresh roasted coconut. 🙂
3. Now add cooked rice & mix well. Add salt. Garnish with roasted cashew nuts.
4. Serve hot.

I served it with Raw Tomato Dal. It was the yummiest South-Indian dish I made & had. I ate with my fingers, which I rarely do {you see the farang in me ;)}

Coconut Rice

It is not usual for us to cook in coconut oil, hence it was a very different & novel taste for us. Also, I’m not a big rice lover, so when I cook rice, it is always an elaborate affair like this one.

Sending Coconut Rice to Flavors of South India by Simply Sensational.

Catch other Blog-Hoppers here to see what they have done for their blog hops. If you wish to join contact Radhika of Tickling Palates. Happy Hopping!!